FORMER Hampshire Chronicle photographer Chris Barham has never put down his camera.

He posted these photos on Facebook Winchester Memories and added: "I recently discovered a negative of a St Catherine's Hill view from the water meadows that I took in 1965. I thought it would be interesting to retake the same view today.

"Sadly this part of the college meadow has been totally neglected. Six feet high brambles line the footpath and it was impossible to stand in exactly the same spot due to dense undergrowth.

"The view of the hill is completely obscured by self seeded trees. I remember when the paddock opposite College New Hall was grazed by horses, and cattle took care of vegetation in the meads. It's a shame to see it like this 59 years later."

This colonisation by self-seeded tress is also clearly seen on St Giles Hill. Yet there are also concerns, which the Chronicle has reported on, that in many places across the city mature trees are heading to ward the end of their lives with no plans for replacement.